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Christopher Latkoczy

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher Latkoczy.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for direct analysis of the spatial distribution of trace elements in metallurgical-grade silicon.

The spatial distribution and concentration of impurities in metallurgical-grade silicon (MG-Si) samples (97-99% w/w Si) were investigated by use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The spatial resolution (120 mum) and low limits of detection (mg kg(-1)) for quality assurance of such materials were studied in detail. The volume-dependent precision and accuracy of non-matrix-matched calibration for quantification of minor elements, using NIST SRM 610 (silicate standard), indicates that LA-ICP-MS is well suited to rapid process control of such materials. Quantitative results from LA-ICP-MS were compared with previously reported literature data obtained by use of ICP-OES and rf-GD-OES. In particular, the distribution of element impurities and their relationship to their different segregation coefficients in silicon is demonstrated.

Journal Article↗

Development and evaluation of a standard method for the quantitative determination of elements in float glass samples by LA-ICP-MS.

Forensic analysis of glass samples was performed in different laboratories within the NITE-CRIME (Natural Isotopes and Trace Elements in Criminalistics and Environmental Forensics) European Network, using a variety of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) systems. The main objective of the interlaboratory tests was to cross-validate the different combinations of laser ablation systems with different ICP-MS instruments. A first study using widely available samples, such as the NIST SRM 610 and NIST SRM 612 reference glasses, led to deviations in the determined concentrations for trace elements amongst the laboratories up to 60%. Extensive discussion among the laboratories and the production of new glass reference standards (FGS 1 and FGS 2) established an improved analytical protocol, which was tested on a well-characterized float glass sample (FG 10-1 from the BKA Wiesbaden collection). Subsequently, interlaboratory tests produced improved results for nearly all elements with a deviation of < 10%, demonstrating that LA-ICP-MS can deliver absolute quantitative measurements on major, minor and trace elements in float glass samples for forensic and other purposes.

Journal Article↗

Reconstruction of a case of thallium poisoning using LA-ICP-SFMS.

The unique capabilities of laser ablation in combination with inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-SFMS) were employed to reconstruct details of a homicide by thallium poisoning, which took place 38 years ago in Austria. Thallium was determined in several human bone samples after acid digestion in a microwave oven. The ICP-SFMS results showed that the thallium concentration in the victim's bones was in the range 1.07-2.63 microg g(-1), which is up to 170 times higher compared to concentrations found in bones of persons who have died due to natural causes. The results were in accordance with the values obtained by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Laser ablation ICP-SFMS was applied to assess the time interval between the victim's poisoning and death. Several line scans with a laser spot size of 50 mum were performed on a thumbnail of the poisoned person and on a reference thumbnail by laser ablation ICP-SFMS. Thallium peaks were detected on the nail of the victim at a distance of 2.5 mm from the younger edge of the nail.

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